LIBERTY - The Liberty Elks Lodge #1545 recently hosted a moving tribute to America's colors. Exalted Ruler Joseph Davis thanked those who participated and attended. Honored guests included Edward J. Wilheim, State Vice President of the NYS Elks East Central District.

Participating in the ceremony were members of White Sulpur Springs Cub and Boy Scout Troops #717. The honor guard included members of the Liberty Police Department, and re-enactors from Sullivan County's 143rd Volunteer New York Infantry. Officers, trustees and members of the Liberty Elks intoned the traditional Flag Day ceremony. Benjamin Lamboy played patriotic music and taps on his trumpet.

Similar Flag Day ceremonies took place in Elks' lodges across America; it's an Elks' tradition. In 1907, the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (B.P.O.E.) designated the 14th of June as Flag Day and mandated that all Elks lodges observe it. In 1949, President Harry Truman, himself an Elk, made the Proclamation that June 14 would be a day of national observance of our country's flag.

Cub and Boy Scouts of Troop #717 gave a presentation of the various banners our country has flown including the original 13-star, 13-stripe flag designed by Betsy Ross at the bequest of George Washington and adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.

The keynote speaker was Town of Liberty Supervisor Brian Rourke, Esq. who is unabashedly patriotic. In his remarks Rourke said, “The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (BPOE) spearheaded the remembrance of our flag. The BPOE linked their destiny with the destiny of our country. The Stars and stripes are a symbol of the American way of life, stare at it and you will see images of our history. It makes us proud to live in this great nation.”

Following the ceremony, Exalted Ruler Joseph Davis invited the guests to enjoy the red, white and blue cupcake display.